Geelong College announces new Junior School head Jessica Kelly
A public school leader has been chosen to head Geelong College's Junior School, marking another milestone in her career.
A public school principal who guided her community through recent tragedy has been appointed to lead one of Geelong’s most prestigious private school campuses.
Geelong College has officially named Jessica Kelly as its new head of junior school, replacing outgoing leader Sondra Wolfenden in 2026.
Ms Kelly is the current principal at Armstrong Creek School, where the young daughter of Krishna and Sapana Bhandari goes to school.
The couple tragically died in a car crash last week.
Ms Kelly’s impending departure was announced to the school community on Monday.
“I will always be grateful for the opportunities the school has provided,” Ms Kelly said.
“It has been a pleasure working at Armstrong Creek School along with the students and their families.”
“I am incredibly proud of who we are as a school and the strong, stable position we are in as we move into the next chapter.
“I’m very confident in the staff who will continue to lead Armstrong Creek School into 2026.”
It’s understood Ms Kelly will remain at the school until the end of the year while a new principal is chosen and will begin at Geelong College in 2026.
Ms Kelly is also a board director at Meli Kindergartens and supports student placements at Deakin University and previously held the role of co-principal at Torquay College (P-6).
Best-selling author and social media influencer Tizzie Hall, who is a parent at Geelong College, said she was one of many thrilled by Ms Kelly’s appointment.
“I have full faith in her,” she said.
“She has amazing ideas around school and schooling and modern education.”
Geelong College principal Simon Young congratulated Ms Kelly on her appointment.
“Jessica is a visionary leader in the education sector, with a strong focus on inclusivity and student wellbeing,” he said.
Mr Young said Ms Kelly’s experience spanned from kinder to secondary teaching.
“We look forward to introducing Jessica to our college community at the start of our 2026 school year,” he said.
Mr Young also thanked Ms Wolfenden who will take on the role Geelong Grammar’s head of junior school at its Corio campus.
The school’s existing junior campus, Bostock House in Newtown, will close at the end of term 1 next year with all students to move to Corio.
“Sondra has built a strong, child-centred team, led significant curriculum change, and overseen the redevelopment of the Junior School,” Mr Young said.
“We wish her every success as she takes up a new opportunity at Geelong Grammar School.”
Geelong Grammar was contacted for comment.
Originally published as Geelong College announces new Junior School head Jessica Kelly
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